The 10 Best Hikes near Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas is the perfect mix of culture, concerts, great food, and fabulous trails.
From gorgeous greenbelts to hidden swimming holes and scenic overlooks, Austin has trails that are sure to delight hikers, bikers, dog walkers, and families.
Exploring Sculpture Falls is a true Austin experience. A quick 1.5 mile hike through gorgeous green scenery will lead you to the falls, a popular swimming hole and cliff jumping location. There are small waterfalls and swimming holes along the trail that are perfect if you want more seclusion - just be sure to get there early to secure your spot!
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is a 2.5 mile hike that offers stunning views, with scenery ranging from a lovely blue creek to a waterfall and an overlook of the entire basin. The green foliage offers a breath of fresh air from busy city life. If you choose to hike Wild Basin at sunset, you’ll be rewarded with views of the stars!
The Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail is a beautiful path along Bull Creek that leads you past unique rock cairns and small waterfalls. The trail is dog friendly and is a great place for mountain biking or trail running, in addition to hiking. On sunny days, people often bring lawn chairs and a picnic to enjoy by the creek!
St. Edwards Park is a hidden gem, Northwest of downtown Austin. St. Edwards Park offers two trails, both of which will take you past a rushing creek, up a hill, to gorgeous viewpoints, and past a large patch of thriving cacti. The Creek Trail is a great option for families and for hikers looking for a more laid-back workout, while the Hill Trail is more of a physical challenge.
Walnut Creek Park is a popular locale for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and dog walkers. The Walnut Creek Trail offers gorgeous colors in the fall and blooming wildflowers in the spring - a true urban oasis. Side trails offer visitors the option to extend their mileage, but be sure to take a picture of the trail map!
The Riverplace Nature Trail stretches through country woods in close proximity to downtown Austin. The trail is well maintained and offers plenty of elevation gain for those hoping to get a good workout. The Riverplace Nature Trail is a great spot for dog walkers and trail runners.
Less than an hour from downtown Austin, Mulshoe Bend is an easily accessible and enjoyable spot for hiking, camping, or trail running. Mulshoe Bend offers 540 acres of trails, so you can customize the length of your route. A 6.5 mile loop trail will lead you through never-ending fields of blooming bluebonnets along the bank of the Colorado River. After your hike or trail run, swim in the river to cool off!
Gorman Falls is a 65 foot waterfall in Colorado Bend State Park, reachable with an enjoyable 3 mile round trip hike. The trail meanders through a desert landscape, passing by thousands of cacti before turning into a green oasis. Gorman Falls is a unique ‘living’ waterfall, growing larger over time - a must see if you are in the greater Austin area.
Photo: Nick Tort
Enchanted Rock is a great day trip outside of Austin, with beautiful streams and gorgeous views. The scenic 4 mile trail is perfect for hikers, trail runners, and families. The lush green vegetation and stunning browns of the rocks offer incredible contrasting scenery. The summit of Enchanted Rock is huge, with ample room to explore or picnic. This is also a popular bouldering and rock climbing location!
Mount Bonnell offers some of the best views in the region, as the highest point in Austin. Just a short 10 minute drive from downtown Austin, Mount Bonnell is a quick and easy outing. The summit of Mount Bonnell is reachable with a relatively short walk, perfect for families. Mount Bonnell is also a great location for a sunset picnic!
Cover Photo: Brooke Simmons
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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